"Dying of hope": in Catania and Palermo a prayer for those who lost their lives in the Mediterranean
May 20, 2011

On Wednesday, May 11 and Thursday, May 12 in the cities of Palermo and Catania were held moments of prayer to remember the many people who, in recent months, have lost their lives in the "voyages of hope" towards Europe. After the prayer, long torchlight walks took place through the cities, so that this memory could be shared and feelings of compassion and brotherhood could arise.

"Dying of hope" is the name given to these events attended by many people including many youth, refugee children (the so called "unaccompanied minors") from Somalia, Eritrea and Tunisia.

In their stories emerge so many fears and so much pain, the fear of the night, the homesick...

All of them, in different ways, wanted to thank for the prayer and the welcome they received. "Living together is possible" is not only the slogan of many banners, but it is a commitment. To remember those who died for a hope is a commitment for those who have survived, so that, at least for them, that hope could become a better life.

Some pictures of the procession and prayer, in Palermo

In Catania